Santa Clara Ends Slugfest Classic on Winning Note

Sep 26, 2005

Sept. 26, 2005

Santa Cruz, Calif. - The Santa Clara men's water polo team concluded play at the Slugfest Classic this afternoon with a victory over Pomona-Pitzer 10-9. With this win, the Broncos even their tournament record at 2-2, after dropping their first match of the day to the Air Force Academy 12-4. SCU improves its overall record this season to 6-5, 6-4 in the Western Water Polo Association.

In the opening match of the day against Air Force, Jack Wall was the main offensive weapon for the Broncos, as he scored three goals in the defeat. William Gorin added a goal. Defensively, Mike Petersen, who blocked five balls in the cage, led Santa Clara and Kevin Starry, who added three steals. In addition, Grant Allison drew two kickouts.

In the afternoon cap for SCU, balanced scoring enabled Santa Clara to edge out Pomona-Pitzer. Wall, Tom Hendrickson, Charlie Moore, and Whit Gilfillan all contributed two goals in the winning effort. Jon Greco and Josh Early added one goal apiece. Petersen was outstanding in goal, accumulating 10 blocks in the match. Chris Parolin had a great overall match, dishing out three assists and drawing two kickouts. Allison also had a solid game, drawing two kickouts and two penalty shots, while Starry drew two kickouts and one penalty shot.

"The game against Air Force was tough. They jumped out on us from the beginning and it was tough to come back," said head coach Keith Wilbur. "We battled hard against Pomona and it was good to see. It wasn't the prettiest game, but we did what we needed to do to win. This was a good weekend overall."

Santa Clara returns to action on Thursday, September 29 when Pacific University visits the Leavey Center Pool. Game time will be at 3:30 p.m.